Peieiiiieeds |
401 50.4
FEB 6 1978
fir. dames M. Frey
Assistant Director for
Legislative Reference
Office of Management and Budget
Room 7201 New Executive Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20503
Dear Mr. Frey:
This is tin response to Ronald K. Peterson's request for our views on
a draft bill prepared by the Department of the Interior "{tlo authorize
the appropriation of funds for the rehabilitation and resettlement of
Bikini Atoll, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and for other
purposes."
There is a present uncertainty about the final rehabilitation of
Bikini Atoll itself due to the restrictions on the use of coconut
products produced on the island for food and export.
It would thus
appear that allowing the island to be used as a permanent place of
settlement and for agricultural purposes would be unrealistic at
this’ time. Because of this uncertainty and for the purpose of
clarity, we recommend that the words "for rehabilitation and
resettlement of the Bikini Atoll" be replaced with the words "for
rehabilitation and resettlement of the people. of Bikini Atoll."
With such a change, wa fully endorse the draft bill.
(Signed) Erle J. Fygi
im
.
Eric J. Fygi
Acting General Counsel
bec: EV
BER
OCA (2)
:CA
Pe Aare eeaeLenny
Sincerely,